2005 Ford 500 Conflicting diagnosis of problem

When I turn the stirring wheel to the right, like turning into a parking place, it makes a chugging grinding sound. When I drive over a speed bump it makes a squishy sound. I took the car to a mechanic shop that has a good reputation and they said it was the front right strut bearing that was going bad and needed to be replaced at some point but wasnÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½t an immediate repair. Cost $600. Because I have the repair warranty, I took it to the dealership where I bought it and they said it was the front suspension left front control arm. Cost $800. So who do I believe?
Also, I did buy this car at 42,000 miles but the dealership said they do a 160 point check. Also, I was told that the Ford 500 had a good reputation for durability and limited repairs. In one year and only 14,000 miles, I have had to take it back to the dealership for the following repairs: Replaced rack and pinnen steering box replaced, a fuel filter replaced at 45,500 (which should have been done during the inspection), Re-program the computer, and replace the end links to the rear sway bars! IsnÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½t this excessive repairs for the age and mileage on the car?
Also, I realize that buying used cars the buyer accepts it as is. But, is there any recourse for me?
I appreciate your time and answer. Jan

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Sunday, September 6th, 2009 AT 5:48 PM

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MERLIN2021

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This is a tech bulliten from Ford to thier dealers, Mechanic 1 is probably correct! Ford guys didnt check the TSB's before giving you the diagnosis!
NOISE FROM FRONT WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 05-24-4, Date of Issue: December 12, 2005 FORD: 2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle MERCURY: 2005 Montego Superceded Bulletin(s): 05-22-2, Date of Issue: November 14, 2005 Related Ref Number(s): 05-22-2, 05-24-4 ARTICLE BEGINNING ISSUE NOTE: This article supersedes TSB 05-22-2 to update vehicle applications. Some 2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego vehicles built 5/17/2004 to 5/17/2005 may exhibit a noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning the steering wheel at speeds lower than 10 MPH (16 Km/h). The noise may be coming from the upper strut mount. This condition is not related to noise when hitting bumps, noise at full lock turns or noise in turns when the steering wheel is not being turned. ACTION Verify concern. Replace the upper strut mount/bearing and/or spring if required. Refer to the following Service Procedure. SERVICE PROCEDURE Vehicles built 5/17/2004 through 4/28/2005, replace the spring and upper strut mount/bearing, on affected side only. 1. Vehicles built 4/29/2005 through 5/17/2005, replace only the strut mount/bearing, on affected side only. 2. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 204-01, Strut and Spring Assembly Removal and Installation procedure. The Workshop Manual procedure and specifications are being updated. Refer to the following step changes to complete the repair. 3. Removal And Installation Changes Under Strut And Spring Assembly Procedure: In Step 1, during installation the correct torque specification for strut and spring assembly mounting nuts is 22 lb-ft (30 N.m). a. Insert after Step 1, remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-strut nut. During installation, tighten to 41 lb-ft (56 N.m). b. In Step 3, during installation the correct torque specification for front axle wheel hub nut is 258 lb-ft (350 N.m). c. NOTE: INSTALL ALL NEW FASTENERS DURING REASSEMBLY. VEHICLE ALIGNMENT IS NOT REQUIRED AFTER THIS REPAIR. NOTE: MAKE NOTE OF THE NOTCH AND ARROW ON OLD STRUT MOUNT/BEARING AND INSTALL NEW MOUNT/BEARING IN THE SAME POSITION. PARTS INFORMATION PARTS INFORMATION.